- Officials from the Department of Water and Sanitation explored pipe replacement options and causes to water supply disruptions at a recent meeting.
- The meeting was called after questions arose at a Subcouncil 19 meeting on Monday 15 April, questioning repeated water leaks in areas such as Welcome Glen.
In a public information meeting to discuss aging infrastructure causing repeated water leaks and pipe bursts in the far south on Thursday 16 May, officials from the Department of Water and Sanitation explored pipe replacement options and causes to water supply disruptions.
The meeting was called after questions arose at a Subcouncil 19 meeting on Monday 15 April, questioning repeated water leaks in areas such as Welcome Glen.
A question tabled from the floor by Ward 61 resident Sandie MacDonald prompted the council to call for a public information meeting. He questioned re-occurring water leaks and aging infrastructure. “The water pipe structure is very old and requires replacement or upgrading. Constant pipe bursts and water leaks are costing the City of Cape Town money,” she said.
“Despite logging calls for pipe bursts and leaks, it takes very long for repair teams to address the issue. Leaks re-occur at the same areas and are not truly repaired.”
According to the City’s Water and Sanitation Department, Simon’s Town has seen an increase in burst pipes due to a breach in high and low-pressure zones in central Simon’s Town since October last year.
Key areas
In his presentation, Clyve Koen, area engineer from the department, pointed out the key areas the City is focusing on pipe replacement and pipeline re-routes in Fish Hoek, Kommetjie, Simon’s Town and Glencairn.
Discussing water issues in Welcome Glen, Koen said action plans to “proactively replace the leadings” in the area through the existing replacement contract in the new financial year.
However, long-term solutions to water pressure and pipe burst issues include a proposed pipeline replacement in Simon’s Town for the 2024/2025 financial year.
The project includes a proposed pipe replacement in Risi/ Carmichael Street in Fish Hoek, replacements in Golconda and Cocburn Streets, Glencairn, Kommetjie and Simon’s Town.
While a preliminary environmental screening for the project was undertaken, a professional service provider needs to be appointed in the new financial year.
“The construction of a new water pipeline along this route will require Environmental Authorisation,” said Koen.
“A botanist will have to be appointed to complete a Botanical Specialist Study due to the pipeline crossing an area identified as covered in endangered indigenous vegetation
He added if a large amount of endangered indigenous vegetation is removed for the proposed activity, an offsite biodiversity offset and a specialist appointed.
Addressing water pressure issues in Kommetjie, Koen addressed plans for a new 110mm diameter pipeline link connection between Mountain Street to Main Road.
“A new 110mm diameter pipeline link connecting to the 150mm pipeline on the main road and to Mountain Street with the aim to improve the flow.
“Installation of the pipeline is to be done as part of our water upgrade programme.”
Meanwhile, Subcouncil 19 chair Simon Liell-Cock said the main points in the meeting were that residents left with a better understanding of water issues in the area.
“The main point, is that people understood more about water issues, especially in Welcome Glen, the difference between a main pipe burst and a leading,” he said.
“People learnt a lot about the water infrastructure which is important.”
